Abstract: A spray cooling system for semiconductor devices. An ink-jet type spray device sprays droplets of a cooling fluid onto the semiconductor devices. The devices vaporize the liquid, which gets passed through a roll bond panel, or other heat exchanger, and is pumped into a spring loaded reservoir that feeds the spray device.

Abstract: A drum type washing machine includes an outer cabinet, a water tub mounted in the outer cabinet and having a rear wall, a generally drum-like rotating tub rotatably mounted in the water tub and having a rear wall, and a turbidity sensor sensing a turbidity of wash liquid in the water tub and disposed on a lower inside face of the rear wall of the water tub, the turbidity sensor including a light emitting element and a light detecting element.

Abstract: A device to lock a brake or clutch pedal of a vehicle so as to deter theft of the vehicle includes a base for placement on the floor of the vehicle beneath the pedal of the vehicle being locked and beneath a pedal shaft supporting the pedal. The device includes a generally U-shaped housing with a second leg attached to the base, a first leg shorter than the second leg, and a cross member connecting the first and second legs to define an opening between the first leg and the base and a slot between the first and second legs to receive the pedal shaft and permit travel of the pedal shaft through the slot. A locking mechanism includes a locking pin and a lock. The locking pin is selectively movable on the U-shaped housing between a raised locked position sufficiently close to a lower side of the pedal shaft to prevent the pedal shaft from being operably depressed, i.e.

Abstract: The invention relates to a flat key having a grip element (2) and a key bit (3), the grip element (2) including a casing (4) and the key bit (3) being arranged in a manner enabling it to be moved into and out of the grip element casing (4) and to be fixed in its respective extreme position. In order to provide a flat key (1) with an axially displaceable key bit (3) which has an inexpensively manufactured drive and requires relatively small dimensions, the invention proposes that a spring (7) —preferably a scroll spring—be disposed as the drive in the grip element casing (4), the two end zones (8, 9) of said spring each being wound spirally onto two holders (10, 11) arranged at the side of the key bit (3).

Abstract: For shaping small radii in edge and corner regions of preformed workpieces or blanks, the invention provides for a postforming of exclusively said edge and corner regions by high liquid pressure. For performing the method an apparatus has a die part (forming insert) with expansion spaces constructed in its edge and corner regions.

Abstract: A motor shaft for a rotational-to-direct motion converting motor has a rotation stopping portion formed in a plate shape, and a screw portion formed in a columnar shape. In addition, the motor shaft has a hole, arranged in an end portion of the motor shaft in a longitudinal direction of the motor shaft, for positioning the motor shaft in a form rolling. Therefore, a position shift or a phase shift of thread ridges formed on the screw portion can be prevented.

Abstract: Apparatus for and method of extruding a metal pipe having a uniform inner diameter. The forward and rearward end sections of the pipe are thicker than the middle section of the pipe. A heated metal billet having a cylindrical longitudinal bore is inserted into the rear opening of a cylindrical bore of a stationary container. A two-part removable inner die is located within the bore of the container and an outer die is located outside of the container. The billet is moved within by a press which includes a mandrel extending forwardly from a pressing surface toward the billet. The mandrel has a cylindrical relatively large diameter rearward portion, a cylindrical relatively small diameter middle portion and a frusto conical forward portion which tapers outwardly in the forward direction from the diameter of the middle portion to the diameter of the forward portion.

Abstract: A method of operating a forging press having a plurality of tool stages between which workpieces are advanced in succession. Each tool has two identical dies with a center-to-center spacing of half the stroke of a transporter for advancing the workpieces from stage to stage so that in each stage during each forging stroke of the press only one die is in contact with the workpiece while the other die is unused and in the next working stroke, the unused die engages the workpiece and the previously used die is unused. The result is a minimization of the contact time of workpieces with any given die and hence an increase in the life of the dies for a given press output or enhanced output of the press with equal or reduced die wear.

Abstract: Oscillations of a variable quantity, particularly of the rpm rate of an input shaft of a cone-pulley transmission in the power train of a vehicle, are detected by monitoring the rate of change of the variable quantity during time intervals of a predetermined length. The difference between the maximum and minimum levels that the rate of change reaches during the predetermined time period is compared to a threshold reference, and if it is found to exceed the threshold reference, the variable quantity is judged to be in a state of oscillation.

Abstract: A method is provided for checking the dynamic behavior of a measuring sensor which detects a substance concentration in the exhaust tract of an internal combustion engine operating with excess air, downstream of an NOx storage catalytic converter. A signal from the measuring sensor is monitored during a regeneration phase. When a predetermined signal profile is absent, a faulty dynamic behavior is diagnosed.

Abstract: A resonant element includes: a fixed substrate having a main surface in orthogonal X- and Z-directions; a planar vibrating body fixed via support beams so as to be vibratable in an X-direction, the planar vibrating body having a weight portion which is isolated from the fixed substrate; an exciter for vibrating the planar vibrating body in the X-direction, and means for adjusting the resonance frequency of said planar vibrating body by providing electrostatic forces to said planar vibrating body, and for correcting the tilt of said planar vibrating body with respect to the substrate plane direction of said fixed substrate, the tilt correcting means being provided at least opposing edge areas of said planar vibrating body with a gap therebetween in the X-direction, on the plane side and spaced from said planar vibrating body in a Y-direction orthogonal to the X- and Z-directions.

Abstract: The present invention includes a portable, damage resistant, palm-held, low cost, high sensitivity ergonomically dimensioned digital remote gauge assembly unit for the measurement of external parameters that include by way of example temperature, pressure, and vacuum; a kit having a digital remote gauge assembly unit, a variety of probes and adapters that provide for the communication signals to the unit in response to externally measured parameters, and a communication link between a respective probe and the digital remote gauge assembly unit; and, a method of utilizing the kit and device to facilitate the rapid measurement of a variety of external parameters. The digital pressure gauge includes a gauge body dimensioned to be held in the palm of a user's hand. The gauge body has microprocessor controlled circuitry therein, an altitude and temperature compensated pressure transducer in communication with the microprocessor, and keys for actuating the microprocessor.

Abstract: A magneto-inductive flowmeter for measuring the flow rate of fluids, incorporates a measuring tube, two magnetic poles externally contacting the measuring tube, and two interconnected return plates. Each magnetic pole includes a field coil and a supporting plate-metal pole shoe. Each pole shoe is connected in the area of the opening of the field coil supporting the associated pole shoe with a return plate and features in the area outside the opening of the field coil supporting the associated pole shoe, and connecting to the same, sections which butt against the measuring tube.

Abstract: The invention relates to an adjusting device for a vehicle seat with a silent ratchet. The silent ratched includes a first ratchet portion and a second ratchet portion. The first ratchet portion has an inner lining which is defined by a rotating body. The second ratchet portion is a) arranged so as to oppose the first ratchet portion and to be capable of rotating about an axis of the inner lining and b) which carries at least one clamping lever capable of pivoting about an axis of the clamping lever. The clamping lever has a clamping area located in a neighborhood of the inner lining. An actuating device for the clamping lever being provided so that the clamping lever may be pivoted in a controlled manner between a normal clamping position in which the lever is frictionally engaged with the inner lining, a non rotatable connection of the two ratchet portions being provided thereby, and a release position, in which the clamping area is located at a distance from the inner lining.

Abstract: In order to prevent balls 3 from, when the balls 3 are discharged from a nut 102 in accordance with relative axial movement of the nut 102 and a screw shaft 1, contacting with thread grooves 102a and 1a of the nut 102 and the screw shaft 1 at three points, a counterbore 102c is formed around the thread groove 102a of the nut 102 in the vicinity of a discharge port for the balls 3 in the nut 102. When the balls 3 are contacted with the thread grooves 102a and 1a, therefore, a four-point contact is always maintained. Consequently, reaction forces which are applied from the thread grooves 102a and 1a to the balls 3 balance with each other, whereby stable holding of the balls 3 is ensured.

Abstract: Various adjustable pedal assemblies (10, 110 and 210) are disclosed and each include a pedal support (16, 116 or 216) slidably supported on a guide rod (12) with a pedal lever (18, 118 or 218) mounted on the support (16, 116 or 216). A screw (22) extends from a bracket (14 or 214) for driving the pedal support (16, 116 or 216) along the guide rod (12). The adjustable pedal assemblies (10, 110 and 210) are characterized by the screw (22) being external to and parallel to the guide rod (12). In the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2, the pedal lever (18 or 118) is pivotally attached to the support (16) or (116) whereas in the embodiment of FIG. 3, the pedal lever (218) and the support (216) are defined by an integral member and the bracket (214) includes a connection (34) for rotatably supporting the bracket (214) on a vehicle.

Abstract: A composition for drill bit bodies and a method for making drill bits from the composition are disclosed. The composition includes powdered tungsten carbide, and binder metal consisting of a composition by weight of manganese in a range of about zero to 25 percent, nickel in a range of about zero to 15 percent, zinc in a range of about 3 to 20 percent, tin in a range of more than 1 percent to about 10 percent, and copper making up the remainder by weight of the composition. In one embodiment, the composition includes about 6 to 7 percent tin therein. The composition is heated to at least the infiltration temperature in a mold for form a drill bit body.

Abstract: A copper powder is provided that has an average particle diameter in the range of from not less than 0.1 &mgr;m to less than 1.5 &mgr;m, that has a narrow particle size distribution width whose value A defined by Equation (1) below in terms of X25, X50 and X75 defined below is not greater than 1.2, and that forms a pseudo-fused sintered product when held at a temperature of 800° C.

Abstract: A method for producing cutting tools incorporated in the present invention is carried out as follows: a shank portion and a drill portion are formed separately such that the inner diameter of a hole made in the shank portion is slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the drill portion. The rear of the drill portion is forcibly inserted into the hole of the shank portion at normal temperature which is room temperature. The diameter of the inner wall of the hole is thereby enlarged, resulting in a tight fitting. After the insertion of the drill portion in the shank portion, the drill portion may be ground to form a drill edge. Before the insertion of the drill portion in the shank portion, the shank portion may be quenched under vacuum or the like, or the surface of the shank portion may be hardened by nitriding.

Abstract: A slitter slits a wide sheet into a plurality of narrow strips by use of a plurality of cutting knives mounted on a shaft extending in a direction substantially normal to the direction in which the wide sheet is fed. Cutting knife arrangements are switched by controlling a knife moving mechanism to move the cutting knives along the shaft so that one of n-sorts of cutting knife arrangements in each of which the cutting knives are arranged in regular intervals is obtained. n-sets of knife positioning programs each for moving the cutting knives from respective origin positions to positions for the corresponding cutting knife arrangement and n-sets of knife returning programs each for returning the cutting knives from positions for the corresponding cutting knife arrangement to the respective origin positions are stored in a memory.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for cutting a workpiece with a wire saw. A frame is provided with a pair of reel bobbins. A strand of wire unwound from one of the reel bobbins is spirally wound about a pair of cutting rollers and is simultaneously wound about the other reel bobbin while causing the cutting rollers to rotate. A workpiece contacts the wire to cut the workpiece. The pair of reel bobbins are supported in a manner that their axes are vertical. The apparatus controls the tension in the wire and the speed of the wire. Also, excessive loosening of the wire is prevented with a brake device.

Abstract: A system for generating a high pressure fluid jet includes a variable pressure pump and a burst resistant delivery tube which safely conducts the pressurized stream to an instrument. The pump may include a disposable diaphragm pump cartridge which is driven by a reusable pump. The delivery tube may be a coiled hypo tube which enhances flexibility.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for converting standard catheters or balloon catheters into drug infusion devices on an as-needed basis in a sterile environment, and which permit re-use of catheter devices previously used in a preceding non-invasive procedure. Apparatus is provided having a cavity for receiving a catheter device and a plurality of perforation pins or teeth for creating apertures in the catheter. Apparatus capable of converting a wide range of catheter devices into drug infusion devices is provided, which apparatus may be single-use disposable or re-sterilizable and re-usable.

Abstract: The present invention is related to an apparatus for cutting webs of material, including a first revolving member and a second revolving member having cutting elements integrated therein. Said revolving members, respectively, define a cutting region therebetween and supporting elements, respectively, assigned to said revolving elements within said cutting region. Said second revolving member comprises a belt assembly having a layered structure, said cutting elements mounted within said layered structure.

Abstract: The invention is a tool for shortening threaded fasteners which does not compromise the structural integrity of the cut end or its surrounding threading. The device comprises a c-shaped plate with blade retaining grooves having a plurality of threaded bores sized to match common commercially available fastener diameters, and a blade having a striking end and a cutting edge with an angle of preferably less than 30°. Fasteners to be cut are rotatably threaded in a clockwise direction through the threaded bores so that the portion to be cut extends through the plate. The blade is then inserted into the blade retaining grooves with the cutting edge resting on top of the uppermost fastener to be shortened. Pressure is applied to the striking end with a striking tool such as but not limited to a hammer, which causes the blade to move downward while severing the extended portion of the fasteners to be cut.

Abstract: Rods are supported on the drive shaft by self-aligning roller bearings such to be able to pendulate. The rods are pivotally mounted to the ram by ball-and-socket joints. At the area of the ball-and-socket joints the ram is guided by upper ram guides. These feature a degree of freedom for a movement in a direction of the web advancing direction of a web to be worked upon. Therefore, the upper tools remain aligned with the lower tools when an eccentric force acts onto the ram.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a shear blade assembly for a shearing system. The shear blade assembly includes an upper shear blade and a lower shear blade. The top surface of the lower shear blade is inclined downwardly at an angle of between 0.2 and 0.5 degrees to the horizontal. The bottom surface of the upper shear blade is raked relative to the horizontal, longitudinally of the blades.

Abstract: An air jet containing blade guide for stabilizing a band saw blade or a circular saw blade of a saw mill and guide blocks or inserts for a saw blade guide are disclosed. The inserts can be removably fastened to a blade guide by means of cap screws preferably containing a hex socket for tightening and loosening the screws with a hex wrench. Cap screw holes formed in the inserts contain recessed countersinks for recessing the heads of the cap screws below a blade opposing surface of the inserts when disposed in an operative position of a blade guide in a saw mill. The inserts can be constructed of brass or aluminum bronze which is softer than the blade being stabilized thereby to avoid undue blade damage but which are hard enough to provide good wearability and heat dissipation as against periodic blade impacts.

Abstract: An apparatus for cutting an adhesive tape attached to a semiconductor wafer and a wafer ring is disclosed. The apparatus includes cutters and rollers. In cutting the adhesive tape, the cutters are aligned on the wafer ring which contains the semiconductor wafer within the wafer ring. The cutters move rolling in a circle along the wafer ring by a rotation of a rotating body, and cut the adhesive tape into two portions. The rollers follow the cutters pressing the inside portion of the tape to secure the adhesion between the adhesive tape and the wafer ring. The apparatus may further include a stationary sensor and marks on the rotating body to control the rotation of the rotating body.

Abstract: A stringed musical instrument is provided wherein each string has two critical points, A fulcrum tremolo is mounted on the instrument for varying the tension of the strings and the distance between the two critical points. The strings are attached to a plurality of intonation modules mounted on the fulcrum tremolo. Each intonation module is adjustable so that the strings can be adjusted from an untensioned state to a proper playing pitch. A bearing assembly is also included to facilitate pivoting of the fulcrum tremolo.

Abstract: A foot-operated percussion instrument is provided with a series of interchangeable cam members selectively disposed on a sprocket hub mounted on the rotating axle disposed between the two upright posts. The interchangeable cam system permits a user to alter the performance characteristics or playing response of the foot-operated system by changing the cam profile for the pedal. The user need not disassemble the entire sprocket and hub assembly; rather, the cam profile is changed by selectively changing a detachable cam member with one of a series of cam members. The invention is suitable for a hi-hat cymbal system or a drum beater system.

Abstract: A cartridge for setting devices if formed of a pot-shaped plastics material cartridge housing (2), which has a surface (8) contacting the inner contour (12) of a cartridge chamber of the setting device. A sealing cover (3) closes off the housing (2) at its open end (4). The sealing cover (3) has a cylindrical section (6), which extends into the interior (5) of the housing (2) and expands under the pressure developed upon ignition of the cartridge, so that a positive connection results between the housing (2) and the sealing cover (3).

Abstract: Disclosed are a method for supplying a liquid raw material wherein the liquid raw material is deaerated and supplied from a liquid raw material container to a liquid flow control section, the method comprising passing the liquid raw material, supplied from a liquid raw material container by the pressure of a first inert gas, inside of a gas permeable synthetic resin tube, passing a second inert gas having a lower permeability into the synthetic resin tube than the first inert gas along the external surface of the synthetic resin tube whereby the first inert gas dissolved in the liquid raw material is allowed to penetrate into the outside of the synthetic resin tube and then supplying the liquid raw material to the liquid flow control section and an apparatus for supplying a liquid raw material which apparatus is used in the method. The invention ensures that inert gas dissolved in a liquid raw material can be removed easily and efficiently in a semiconductor manufacturing process using a liquid raw material.

Abstract: According to the present invention, a goods-wrapping apparatus for wrapping a particular article of a plurality of articles, includes: a goods storing section operable to store the plurality of articles; a goods carrying in/out section operable to carry in the articles into the goods storing section and carry out the article from the goods storing section; a printer operable to print a printing content associated with the particular article onto a printing medium based on the particular article; and a wrapping section operable to wrap the particular article carried out from the goods carrying in/out section with the printing medium onto which the printing content associated with the particular article has been printed.

Abstract: A screen printing machine including a stencil sheet assembly having a frame member having outer peripheral sides for partitioning an outer configuration and inner peripheral sides for partitioning an opening and stencil sheet adhered to one face of the frame member to cover the opening, a tension frame projected to inner sides of the inner peripheral sides of the frame member, having a raised portion raised toward the stencil sheet and arranged on other face of the frame member for applying tension to the stencil sheet, and holding means for holding the tension frame and the stencil sheet assembly which are put together such that a front face of the tension frame in a direction of raising the raised portion and the other face of the frame member are brought into contact with each other.

Abstract: A multiple color offset printer having a sheet feed mechanism in which a sheet feed cylinder receives a sheet in timed relation to a sheet transfer timing from the sheet feed cylinder to an impression cylinder. A blanket cylinder is divided into a plurality of uniform sized color sections around its periphery. The sheet feed cylinder has an outer peripheral length that is the same length as the peripheral length of each color section of the blanket cylinder. A sheet is transferred from the sheet feed cylinder to the impression cylinder once each time the sheet feed cylinder rotates a number of times equivalent to the number of color sections. A front lay cam rotates a single time during the same number of rotations as the number of the color sections. An abutment member moves from a projecting position in the sheet transport pathway to a retracted position separated therefrom a single time each time the front lay cam rotates a single time, so that a sheet is allowed to be supplied to the sheet feed cylinder.

Abstract: A method for controlling an ink quantity in different zones of an ink roller in a printing machine, which includes prescribing nominal values of the ink quantity for each zone. A value of the ink quantity flow released for the zone by an ink source corresponds to each nominal value of the ink quantity. The nominal value for a given zone is changed from a first value to a second value, the ink quantity in the given zone is changed by prescribing a first correction ink quantity flow. The method further includes prescribing additional correction ink quantity flows for zones situated adjacent the given zone and, during a transition interval, setting the ink quantity flow for each of the zones situated adjacent the given zone to the sum of the correction ink quantity flow and the ink quantity flow corresponding to the nominal value of the given zone.

Abstract: In a method of manufacturing a gold containing pigment, a vaporizable gold compound, a vaporizable compound of another metal, which includes an oxide or a nitride with a melting temperature above the melting temperature of gold, and a reaction gas consisting of a mixture of argon and oxygen are introduced into a first microwave plasma, whereby cores covered with gold clusters are formed from the oxide or nitride and the gold cluster covered cores are subjected to a tempering process at 150° C. to 300° C. for causing coloration of the gold cluster covered oxide or nitride cores.

Abstract: A sub-surface seeding, fertilizing and watering device includes an opening blade having first and second sides extending between a leading edge and an aft edge. The opening blade has an upper surface and a lower surface extending between upper and lower edges respectively of the first and second sides of the blade. First and second wings are mounted to the first and second sides respectively in generally oppositely disposed relation so as to be cantilevered outwardly therefrom. The first and second wings extend between first and second forward wing edges and first and second aft-opening wing apertures. Seed, fertilizer or water are dispensed through the wing apertures. Oppositely disposed, rigid canards for subsurface soil agitation are mounted to the first and second sides, so as to extend cantilevered outwardly therefrom. The canards may be mounted between the leading edge of the blade and the first and second forward wing edges.

Abstract: Sewing apparatus, especially a contour sewing machine for a sewing unit, comprising a vertically reciprocating needle (2) and a holder (7, 7′) of material for sewing which moves relative to the needle. This obtains a seam having a predetermined shape. The holder (7, 7′) is movable in directions (X, Y) extending at an angle to one another in a plane, the movements being generated by two independent motors (25, 28) and the holder (7, 7′) being releasably connectable to a bearer (14) driven in one direction (Y) and engaging a drive operative in the other direction (X). The holder (7, 7′) is mountable on a guide rod (5, 5′) rigidly connected to the bearer (14) and is connectable via at least one connecting element (12) to the drive for the other direction (X).

Abstract: A gas supply system for supplying a gas into a reaction chamber is provided with a pulse valve, a mass flow controller and a back pressure controller. The mass flow controller includes a flow meter and a variable flow control valve, and the back pressure controller includes a pressure gauge and a pressure control valve. The pulse valve, the mass flow controller and the back pressure controller are connected to a controller so that operations thereof are controlled by this controller.

Abstract: A showerhead diffuser apparatus for a CVD process has a first channel region having first plural independent radially-concentric channels and individual gas supply ports from a first side of the apparatus to individual ones of the first channels, a second channel region having second plural independent radially-concentric channels and a pattern of diffusion passages from the second channels to a second side of the apparatus, and a transition region between the first channel region and the second channel region having at least one transition gas passage for communicating gas from each first channel in the first region to a corresponding second channel in the second region The showerhead apparatus has a vacuum seal interface for mounting the showerhead apparatus to a CVD reactor chamber such that the first side and supply ports face away from the reactor chamber and the second side and the patterns of diffusion passages from the second channels open into the reactor chamber.

Abstract: A treatment device (2) for treating a band-shaped substrate (1) with a gas containing a source (5) for the gas. An endless pattern band (7) that serves as the pattern carrier is guided in revolving fashion around the gas source (5) by means of several deflection rollers (8, 9, 10, 11). The pattern band (7) is formed of a screen foil that is provided with a cover (14) to produce regions on the substrate (1) that are not treated with the gas.

Abstract: A novel plasma treatment system (200). The plasma treatment system has a chamber (14), where a vacuum is maintained. The system also has a susceptor disposed within an interior region in the chamber. The susceptor (i.e., electrostatic chuck) is adapted to secure a work piece thereon. The system has an rf source (40) disposed overlying the susceptor. The rf source provides an inductive discharge to form a plasma from a gas within the chamber. Magnetic sources (207), (209) are selectively applied to the plasma discharge. In a specific embodiment, a first magnetic source (207) is disposed surrounding the susceptor in the chamber. The first magnetic source provides focused magnetic field lines toward the susceptor. A second magnetic source (209) is disposed surrounding the susceptor, where the second magnetic source provides focussed magnetic field lines toward the susceptor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing a semiconductor device can provide a uniform film on a substrate. A substrate is introduced into a reaction chamber or tube (51) which has gas feed ports (52, 53) and gas exhaust ports (54, 55). The substrate in the reaction tube (51) is heated to substantially a film forming temperature while supplying a prescribed gas to the reaction tube (51) through the gas feed ports (52, 53) and exhausting the prescribed gas from the reaction tube (51) through all the exhaust ports (54, 55). A film-forming gas is supplied to the reaction tube (51) to form a film on the substrate. The substrate with the film formed thereon is taken out of the reaction tube (51). Moreover, after the film formation on the substrate, a prescribed gas is supplied to the reaction tube (51) from the gas feed ports (52, 53) while being exhausted from the reaction tube (51) through all the exhaust ports (54, 55), thereby removing a residual gas in the reaction tube.

Abstract: A control system for an electromagnetic actuator which actuates intake or exhaust valve of an internal combustion engine of an automotive vehicle. The actuator includes first and second electromagnets each of which develops an electromagnetic attraction force upon supply of current thereto. The electromagnetic attraction force changing in accordance with an amount of current to be supplied thereto. An armature is disposed to be attractable to one of the first and second electromagnets under the electromagnetic attraction force. A spring is provided for developing biasing force for biasing the armature to be put at a neutral position between the first and second electromagnet.

Abstract: A method for evaluating the combustion chamber pressure in an internal combustion engine is described, in which the output signal of at least one cylinder pressure sensor and one crankshaft angle sensor is performed by the control unit of the engine. By analysis of the course of combustion chamber pressure over the crankshaft angle, characteristic pressure courses are obtained for certain valve control times. From these characteristic pressure courses, a conclusion can be drawn as to the valve control times “outlet opens”, “outlet closes”, “inlet opens”, and “inlet closes”, referred to the crankshaft angle.

Abstract: A method of affecting the mixture formation and motion of a charge in an engine cylinder during a suction cycle of a gas intake valve of the cylinder. The suction cycle has a first cycle portion and a subsequent, second cycle portion. The method includes the following steps: introducing air and fuel into the cylinder during the suction cycle; maintaining, during the first cycle portion, the gas intake valve in a first open position at full valve stroke in which the gas intake valve has a fully open cross-sectional flow passage area; and maintaining, during the second cycle portion, the intake valve in a second open position at a partial stroke of the gas intake valve. The partial stroke is less than one half of the full stroke; and in the second open position the gas intake valve has a partially open cross-sectional flow passage area.

Abstract: A system and method for unthrottled intake air control for an internal combustion engine. The engine has at least one combustion chamber provided with electromagnetic intake means. The opening and closing times of the intake means are adjustable entirely independently from the crankshaft position to control intake air supplied to the combustion chamber. A control unit is used to implement instructions for determining a first portion of requested intake airflow, which first portion requests a first engine response performance, and instructions for determining a second portion of requested intake airflow, which second portion requests a second engine response performance.

Abstract: The total ignition angle ZW(z) of each cylinder z is composed of cylinder-selective values basic ignition angle GZ(z) {determined by engine speed n and load L}, knock adjustment angle KNK(z), in addition to a first adaptation value AD1(z) and a second adaptation value AD2 common to all cylinders. ADl(z) is increased when KNK(z) is greater than a threshold DEC and is reduced when KNK(z) is lower than a threshold INC. The second adaptation value AD2 is formed as a function of the average value {overscore (AD1)} of the adaptation values of all cylinders.